Scrapping Glasgow Airport rail link a ‘betrayal’, Labour claim

The decision to axe plans for a direct rail link between Glasgow city centre and Glasgow Airport has been described as a “betrayal for the city”.

Glasgow Labour leader Frank McAveety made the comments after alternative proposals were announced last week for a shuttle pod system built to run between the airport and Paisley Gilmour Street instead.

A direct rail link to Glasgow was announced as part of the £1.13 billion Glasgow City Region deal agreed in 2014 and was expected to be operational by 2025.

After several delays and concerns over rail capacity at Glasgow Central station, it was indicated different options would be explored.

Mr McAveety, former chairman of the City Region Cabinet, which progressed the plans, said the SNP should stop “dragging their feet” over construction of an airport link.

“What has Glasgow done to deserve this?” Mr McAveety asked.

“This is the second time that Glasgow has had its rail link project axed by the SNP.

“Glasgow is one of few cities of its size that does not have a dedicated rail link to its airport.

“This is a betrayal for the city. The Glasgow Airport Rail Link project has undergone review after review.

“Our city is growing year-on-year and continues to be the powerhouse of the Scottish economy.

“It’s time the SNP stopped dragging their feet, put the Glasgow Airport Rail Link project back on track and invested in the railway network that our city needs.”